National Youth Commission Chairman Ronald Cardema (File photo from an RTVM video)
MANILA, Philippines– The Department of Justice (DOJ) will start gathering the relevant facts to determine possible violation committed by former National Youth Commission (NYC) Ronald Cardema who still presided over an NYC meeting despite filing his substitution to become the first nominee for Duterte Youth party-list.
“Sec. Sal[vador] Panelo requested DOJ this morning to look into this matter and evaluate if charges may be filed against Ronald Cardema,” Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra confirmed Tuesday.
“The DOJ will start by gathering relevant facts,” Guevarra added.
The Commission on Elections (Comelec) earlier said that all of the Duterte Youth nominees have backed out and Ronald Cardema has filed a substitution petition to fill the vacancy.
Malacañang said Cardema is deemed resigned after he filed the petition before the Comelec. However, reports reached the Palace that Cardema still presided over an NYC meeting despite filing the substitution plea before the Comelec.
Election law expert Atty. Romulo Macalintal said Cardema cannot substitute the nominees.
“But their replacements should follow the line of succession as listed in their manifestation to participate in the party-list system,” Macalintal said. (Editor: Jonathan P. Vicente)
READ: Duterte Youth nominees told to follow line of succession